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10 Questions with ... Gary Thompson
February 14, 2006
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NAME:Gary ThompsonTITLE:Associate Program DirectorSTATIONS:KXOJMARKET:Tulsa, OKCOMPANY:Adonai Radio GroupBORN:Fort Scott, KansasRAISED:Southeast Kansas / Northeast Oklahoma
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
KNGX Claremore
KXOJ Tulsa
KCFO Tulsa
WCVO Columbus
KRAV Tulsa
KWEN Tulsa
back to KXOJ in 2002.1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
First Job was spinning vinyl on the weekends for a 1200 watt blow-torch in Claremore, Oklahoma. First 'full time' gig was at KXOJ in Tulsa doing overnights. Early influences: Wavy Davy Michaels (KMYZ), Mel Myers (KMYZ), Seth Andrews (KXOJ), Jim Marbles (KXOJ)…all Tulsa-area radio pro's.
2) What do you think is the most important topic facing the Music Business and Radio right now? Why?
Ignoring the listener in favor of the bottom line. Super-serve your core audience. Make he or she your 'raving fan' and the bottom line will take care of itself.
3) What does Christian Radio need to do in order to break through to a mass audience on a more consistent basis?
Simply put...see question #2. The key to making any format or station a success is to go out of your way to really serve and to connect with the life of the one you're targeting. Lots of us talk about it. And it's kind of the 'fashionable' clarion call of our industry right now. But few are actually doing it. That's because it takes a genuine hunger to be part of their life. Anything less than an absolute passion for your listener equals a half-way job. Thus, a counterfeit connection. Many of us know the truth. The secret to success isn't even a secret. The difference in over the top success and just getting by is measured in action.
4) Can you be a boss and also a friend to your employees?
Absolutely you can. Anyone who tells you differently is on an ego trip. Ok, that may be harsh. But my point is that true leadership breeds respect. Not fear. Out of respect, springs friendship in many cases.
5) What do you like best about your job?
I love working with a group of people who have a passion for the listener; and as a result, the format. And I LOVE that moment when you really and authentically CONNECT with that listener. You know that moment when it happens. And it's pure gold.
What do you like least? Paperwork.
6) Who has had the biggest impact on these facets of your life: Personal, Professional and Spiritual? Why?
Personally: My wife. She encourages, challenges and thrills me more than anyone I've ever known.
Professionally: Bob Thornton (KXOJ Program Director). The man is bionic. I've never met anyone so gifted in so many areas of what we do. Promotions, programming, coaching…etc. And his script writing is legendary.
Spiritually: My Mother and my Grandparents. They have been awesome examples of faith and fidelity my whole life.
7) Who is your favorite air/personality not on your air staff?
Honestly, everyone I've heard pales in comparison with Craig West, our morning anchor. The man is absolutely a prodigy. But if I had to choose, it would be Broadway Bill Lee from WKTU in New York City. He's just really fun to listen to.
8) What book have you read that has touched you or taught you the most?
I am really loving "Raving Fans" by Ken Blanchard right now.
9) Which character in the Bible do you most relate to? Why?
That would be Gideon. He's a great example of how God took a scared young guy and used him anyway.
10) What is your favorite passage of Scripture?
"Let Everyone be quick to listen. Slow to speak. And Slow to become angry. For the anger of man does not bring about the righteousness of God." James 1:19
Bonus Questions
1) What is your favorite quote?
"Let's All Quit In a Group!" Terry Dismore, Lazarus Communications Group, Circa 2000.
2) What's in your CD player right now?
Carrie Underwood, Creed, Nickelback, Lonestar, Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Michael W. Smith's Go West Young Man CD, Kid's Worship songs, Josh Groban, Smitty's "Freedom" project.
3) Do you have Musical Guilty Pleasures?
Nah. If I like it…I listen to it. No guilt. =)
4) Cat or Dog person?
Neither. Anything that can mess up my home more than my kids and can make it smell worse than I can is not welcome.
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